AEP Ohio Reminds Public to Always Call 811 Before Digging

GAHANNA, Ohio, August 10, 2022 – AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) company, is using the 8/11 date to remind the public to stay safe by calling 811 before they dig to have underground utility lines marked.

Electric, gas, water, sewer and cable utilities rely on underground lines to deliver services to customers. Hitting one of these lines while digging can cause serious or fatal injuries, outages and costly repairs.

“Following these simple steps will help ensure your next home improvement project is a success while keeping you, your family and your neighbors safe throughout the process,” said Michelle Marsh, director of safety and health for AEP Ohio.

From building a deck to planting a tree, every project that involves digging warrants a call to 811 at least two days before breaking ground. After you call, a professional will come to your home and mark the location of any utility lines — free of charge.

The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, uneven surfaces and previous digging projects. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging just a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.

Always know what’s below by calling 811 before you dig.

For more safety tips and resources, visit: AEPOhio.com/Safety and Call811.com